2016 Detroit Mercy News Releases

University of Detroit Mercy alumnus Gary MacLean ’65 has always placed great value on a student’s education, being prepared for building a successful career. A longtime supporter of the University, he has contributed thousands of dollars to scholarships to assist UDM students in funding their education.

University of Detroit Mercy's Chemistry Club will once again offer an exciting way to give back this holiday season, with its ULTIMATE Liquid Nitrogen Pong event on Friday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. in the Engineering High Bay. Sign-up will be available at 1:30 p.m.

High school students are invited to attend University of Detroit Mercy’s “Visit Day” on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016 from 9 a.m. to noon. Events will be held in the Fountain Lounge of the Student Center Building on the University’s McNichols Campus.

A major grant from the Henry Luce Foundation’s Clare Boothe Luce Program will provide funding for a new female professor of mechanical engineering specializing in assistive technology at University of Detroit Mercy’s College of Engineering & Science.

University of Detroit Mercy’s Catholic Studies program is presenting a special lecture on Detroit by Associate Professor of Education and Former Deputy Mayor of Detroit Isaiah McKinnon. The talk will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. in Room 113 of the Ford Life Sciences Building on the McNichols Campus; it is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be available after the talk.

The ADEAGies Foundation recently announced Pamela Zarkowski, MPH., JD, University of Detroit Mercy Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will receive the 2017 William J. Gies Award for Outstanding Achievement by a Dental Educator. The prestigious award was established by the American Dental Education Association Gies Foundation in honor of the vision, innovation and achievement of the dental field.

The Theatre Company of University of Detroit Mercy will launch the second production of its 46th season with the Detroit premiere of Kate Fodor’s drama 100 Saints You Should Know, Nov. 3-20. This play focuses on finding spiritual relevance in a universe full of lost connections. There will be 12 performances at The Marlene Boll Theatre at the Boll Family YMCA, 1401 Broadway Street, in downtown Detroit.

Approximately 1,400 pounds of Twix bars, Three Musketeers, Hershey’s and other candy were passed out to little princesses and ghosts during University of Detroit Mercy’s 27th annual Safety Street celebration, Oct. 28. More than 550 children from all over the Detroit area came dressed in their favorite Halloween costume.

The College of Business Administration will host its Business Leadership Awards on Sunday, Oct. 30. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, beginning with a Mass in the Commerce and Finance Building’s St. Ignatius Chapel on the McNichols Campus. The Mass will be followed by a brunch and induction ceremony at 11:15 a.m. at the Detroit Golf Club, 17911 Hamilton Rd. in Detroit.

University of Detroit Mercy, after a close examination of perceptions of the University’s brand across constituent groups (alumni, current students, prospective students, faculty and staff, teachers and counselors, civic leaders and employers in the Metro Detroit area and across the county), has unveiled a new logo and brand positioning strategy.

For the 16th consecutive year, University of Detroit Mercy is listed in the top tier of Midwest Best Regional Universities in the 2017 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges” rankings. In addition to being the highest ranking Midwest Regional school in Michigan in the magazine’s annual list, Detroit Mercy has also now been named one of the “Best Values” in the region and continues to be an “A+ School for B Students.”

University of Detroit Mercy’s Political Science department and University Ministries welcomes Chaplain for the U.S. House of Representatives Pat Conroy, S.J., to speak on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 12:45 p.m. in the Ford Life Sciences Building, room 113.

University of Detroit Mercy will be officially dedicating the new iNSPIRE Laboratory on Thursday, Oct. 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Chemistry Building on the McNichols Campus. The lab’s name is an acronym for Innovative Space for Research and Exploration.

Students and faculty from University of Detroit Mercy’s School of Dentistry and Clinic will be performing dental exams, cleanings, X-rays, sealants, restorative care, extractions and emergency services at Detroit Mercy’s ACCESS Clinic every Friday. The ACCESS Clinic is located on 6450 Maple Rd. in Dearborn. ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic & Social Services) is the largest Arab-American human services nonprofit in America.

As part of the 2016-17 Lecture Series, University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture welcomes Elizabeth Mossop of Spackman Mossop and Michaels on Monday, Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m. as well as a discussion panel featuring “Detroit Innovators,” showcasing the impact on Detroit’s resurgence completed by 25 alumni, on Friday Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. Both events will be taking place in the Warren Loranger Architecture Building’s Genevieve Fisk Loranger Architecture Center on Detroit Mercy’s McNichols Campus.

As part of the 2016-17 Lecture Series, University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture welcomes Elizabeth Mossop of Spackman Mossop and Michaels on Monday, Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m. as well as a discussion panel featuring “Detroit Innovators,” showcasing the impact on Detroit’s resurgence completed by 25 alumni, on Friday Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. Both events will be taking place in the Warren Loranger Architecture Building’s Genevieve Fisk Loranger Architecture Center on Detroit Mercy’s McNichols Campus.

ABC News brought its original livestream series "Strait Talk with Matt & LZ" to University of Detroit Mercy in front of a live audience on Monday, Sept. 19 in the Warren Loranger Architecture Building for an open discussion about the biggest issues facing America this election cycle.

High school students are invited to attend University of Detroit Mercy’s "Visit Day" on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016 from 9 a.m. to noon. Events will be held in the Fountain Lounge of the Student Center Building on the University’s McNichols Campus.

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law will host a panel discussion in honor of Constitution Day on Tuesday, Sept. 13 beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Riverfront Campus in downtown Detroit. Constitution Day, Sept. 17, is the day on which we recognize and celebrate the signing of the United States Constitution in Philadelphia in 1787. The program is entitled, “After November: Perspectives on the Future of the Supreme Court and the Constitution.” The discussion will focus on emerging constitutional issues, in light of the 2016 elections and the still-vacant seat formerly held by Justice Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court.

ReBUILDetroit scholars will be presenting posters of their summer research experience during Research Day at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on Tuesday, Sept. 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. Scholars have created more than 40 posters from their work at University of Detroit Mercy, Wayne State University and Marygrove College.

University of Detroit Mercy has once again been designated a Gold-certified Michigan Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, the highest designation for any university or college in the state.

Each year, University of Detroit Mercy faculty, staff and students gather in the Student Fitness Center for the annual "Celebrate Spirit!" event. This longstanding tradition is a symbol of the beginning of the new academic year and will include a worship service for all faiths, picnic lunch, and student organization fair.

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law will host its 104th annual Red Mass on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at noon at Saints Peter and Paul Jesuit Church located at 629 E. Jefferson Avenue in downtown Detroit. The church is immediately adjacent to the School of Law Campus.

Thanks to a $200,000 grant from the Bill Ford Better World Challenge, University of Detroit Mercy engineering professors, students and alumni will team up to develop an app that connects non-profit organizations with volunteers who can move resources and materials.

Science Technology & Engineering Preview Summer (STEPS) Camp is a two-week day camp, highlighting the exciting world of engineering, science, technology and robotics for young women between the 9th-11th grades.

Professor Karen McDonald Henning is the recipient of the 2016 James T. Barnes, Sr. Memorial Faculty Scholar Award at University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. This prestigious award, named in honor of alumnus James T. Barnes, Sr. '40, recognizes a faculty member’s outstanding scholarship, teaching excellence and public service.

The Kresge Foundation has approved a three-year grant totaling $250,000 for operating support for University of Detroit Mercy’s Detroit Collaborative Design Center (DCDC) to aid in its mission of helping community development organizations strengthen Detroit’s neighborhoods, June 29.

Students from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and Clinic hosted a Sealant program event for children in need of dental services at the New Breed Community Development Corporation’s temporary office location, June 20. Children received dental exams, sealants, varnishes, as well as an oral health kit – all at no cost. The Clinic will take place again on Monday, Aug. 1 at Cornerstone schools with the Titans for Teeth Mobile Clinic.

The University of Detroit Mercy men's basketball team will have a new home on the radio dial next season as the Titans and 910 AM Superstation have reached an agreement to broadcast every game over the air in 2016-17.

University of Detroit Mercy presented its Vivere ex Missione Award to Paige R. Dykema, a biology major with a concentration in applied genetics and a minor in leadership. The graduate has already accepted a position in the clinical trials department at Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit and also volunteers in Detroit through the Institute’s cancer outreach programs.

University of Detroit Mercy, the Michigan Association for College Admission Counseling (MACAC) and National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) will host a Camp College event on Thursday, May 19 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the McNichols Campus. Approximately 250 students from high schools and churches in the community will attend the one-day, conference-style workshop, encouraging underserved students to consider and prepare for higher education.

MiWeek, Detroit Public Television’s (DPTV) weekly leadership and public affairs program broadcast live on Thursday, May 5, from the McNichols Campus of University of Detroit Mercy. The show featured interviews and in-depth panel conversations about the future of Detroit’s neighborhoods, newcomers versus long-time residents; inclusiveness; the cultural corridor compared to the economic corridor; and entrepreneurship.

University of Detroit Mercy will hold its annual Commencement ceremonies on May 13 and 14, 2016.
All three Commencements ceremonies will take place in Calihan Hall on the McNichols Campus. In total, the University will graduate approximately 1,500 students during the three ceremonies.

UDM student and Miss Michigan Earth pageant winner Jasmina Cunmulaj gave a presentation on the call to action in aiding the Flint Water Crisis at the Michigan Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 23. The lecture was held in Rochester, MI at Municipal Park.

If coming home once was nice and twice was better, then the third time is the best as University of Detroit Mercy Director of Athletics Robert C. Vowels, Jr. announced that former Titan standout basketball player and assistant coach Bacari Alexander will be the 21st head coach in Titan history.

University of Detroit Mercy will host its 3rd annual university-wide celebration Spirit of UDM: Alumni Achievement Awards on Friday, April 22. The event honors distinguished alumni from each college and school who reflect the University’s mission of excellence and service and bring pride to UDM.

UDM's College of Engineering & Science will host the 26th annual Technology Discovery Day on Friday, April 15. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Student Fitness Center and throughout UDM’s McNichols Campus.

Detroit Prevention and Awareness in the Community (DPAC), a University of Detroit Mercy student organization, will host the "MoveMENt Step-Up" walk event Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Student Center Fountain Lounge on the McNichols Campus. Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by the walk at 10 a.m.

UDM welcomes Detroit-based, Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist Desiree Cooper to lead a lecture and discussion on Monday, April 11 at 6 p.m. The event will take place in the Genevieve Fisk Loranger Architecture Center in the Warren Loranger Architecture Building on the McNichols Campus.

The University of Detroit Mercy Theatre Company will host An Evening With David L. Regal on Saturday, April 9 at 7 p.m. The event will take place in the Marygrove Theatre, 8425 W. McNichols Rd. in Detroit.

UDM will celebrate the 90th birthday of longtime Professor of Biology R. Gerard Albright, S.J., on Sunday, April 3. The event will open with a Mass at noon in the St. Ignatius Chapel in the Commerce & Finance Building on McNichols Campus. An open house will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. in Lansing-Reilly Hall. All alumni, faculty and staff are encouraged to stop by and wish him well.

U.S. News & World Report released the list of “2017 Best Graduate Schools,” ranking University of Detroit Mercy’s Nurse Anesthesia program as the 10th best program in the nation, as well as the Graduate Business Management program as the #16 best.

UDM's School of Architecture welcomes Director of Planning and Development for the City of Detroit Maurice Cox to speak on Wednesday, March 23 at 5 p.m. There will be a reception at 5 p.m., followed by the lecture at 6 p.m. and will take place in the Genevieve Fisk Loranger Architecture Center in the Warren Loranger Architecture Building on the McNichols Campus.

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law will host its 18th McElroy Lecture on Law and Religion on Wednesday, March 16. Kent Greenawalt, professor of Columbia Law School, will speak on the topic, Religious Exemptions in Same-Sex Marriages. He will be joined by two commentators: Andrew M. Koppelman, John Paul Stevens professor of Law and professor of Political Science at Northwestern University, as well as Michael P. Moreland, professor at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law and concurrent professor at University of Notre Dame Law School.

University of Detroit Mercy will unveil its new McNichols Campus gateway entrance with a dedication on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 1:30 p.m. This will mark the official opening since construction began last October.

The University of Detroit Mercy Law Review is celebrating its 100th anniversary with an academic symposium. It will focus on the past, present and future legal issues facing the city of Detroit on Friday, March 4, 2016, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the Riverfront Campus.

In celebration of Black History Month, UDM will host guest speaker Patrick McGarrity, an independent scholar and longtime instructor of history at Belleville Area College in Illinois. The event will take place on Feb. 17 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Student Center President's Dining Room on the McNichols Campus.

In honor of Black History Month, UDM will a panel discussion, book signing and reception for the book, A Fluid Frontier: Slavery, Resistance, and the Underground Railroad in the Detroit River Borderland. The event will take place on Thursday, Feb. 18 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom on McNichols Campus.

Since 1985, University of Detroit Mercy Marketing Professor Michael Bernacchi has hosted the "Super Bowl Ad Nauseam," where hundreds of high school students will gather the following day, to discuss the effectiveness of the advertisements aired during the big game. The annual event will be held Monday, Feb. 8 at noon in the UDM Ballroom on the McNichols Campus.

University of Detroit Mercy lost an exceptional leader and a wonderful friend on January 12, 2016, Gerard L. Stockhausen, S.J., Ph.D. Fr. Stockhausen entered eternal life around midnight central time. His body was cremated and a funeral Mass was held at Marquette University’s Gesu Church on Saturday, Jan. 16. A special memorial Mass was offered by the Jesuit community on Wednesday, Jan. 20. at Gesu Church, north of UDM's McNichols Campus. Fr. John Staudenmaier, S.J., a long-time colleague and friend of Fr. Stockhausen, celebrated the liturgy and gave the homily.